{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Calibri;}} {\*\generator Msftedit 5.41.21.2510;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\lang9\f0\fs22 Mark Dunn\par Dr. Sherry\par YA LIT\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\qc\fs28 Critical Responst: Persepolis\par \pard\sa200\sl480\slmult1\fs24\tab The graphic novel "Persepolis" was the profound story of the struggles faced by a young Iranian women dealing with war, social injustice, and growing up. This story raised several prominent issues that challenges the reader to question themselves and to find out what is right and wrong. This novel is a gripping read that takes the reader on a journey through the culture and history of the Iranians over the past several decades that illuminates a whole new perspective to my westernized eyes.\par \tab A dominating issue throughout this novel is the strength and the overpowering actions of the government. The major tool of the government is to force the citizens of the country to believe the ideals of extreme social conservatism and submission to the policical agenda. The use deadly violence or imprisonment is a way to ensure the people will be in complete control. The fear of the people leads to a small group of leaders to control all the resources of the country. At the end of the novel, the audience learns that "70 percent of the people live under the poverty line". Iran is also a country rich with resources so it becomes clear that only a select few are really in control of the wealth of the land while the rest are to live in fear.\par \tab Greed is the underlying factor in this novel that cuases so much strife. The desire to control resources and in this case, Oil, is a main motivator for a majority of the countries becoming involved in the middle east. As a reader we are to be open to the story that we are being told and to think reflectively about what we are hearing. It is clear that greed controls the actions of so many which in turn affect the lives of everyone. The reader therefore learns about human nature, history of this geography, and is connected to the story of a relatable young adult.\fs22\par }